REF 2014

Research Excellence Framework 2014

The Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 assessed the quality of research in the UK’s higher education institutions. English Language and Literature at Newcastle has been ranked 3rd in the UK in the REF and was ranked 1st for impact.

Review process

The review process is managed by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and is made on three main criteria:

quality of research output

impact of research (beyond the University)

vitality of the research environment

REF results

English Language and Literature

57% of our work was awarded the top grade 4* ('world-leading') and 32% at 3* ('internationally excellent'). Within this overall profile, in the new 'research impact' category 100% of our work was judged at 4*, the highest grading possible.